The City is offering a R100 000 reward to catch the killers of Toufeeq Williams, 37, a Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (Leap) officer attached to the Hanover Park unit.
Officer Williams was shot and killed on Sunday July 30 in Hengelaar Street, Beacon Valley, while carrying a baby. He was off-duty at the time. He was caught in a gang crossfire.
Police Oversight and Community Safety MEC Reagen Allen expressed his condolences and vowed to bring the culprits to justice.
“I am outraged at the murder of Officer Williams. Every aspect of law enforcement, the South African Police Service (SAPS) and intelligence agencies must be used to ensure justice and to hold those allegedly responsible for this heinous crime (sic). We must work to shut down their revenues of income, confiscate their assets and any resources which assist them in continuing their illegal activities.
“I want to assure Officer Williams’s family that his death will not be in vain. We will not leave any stone unturned. Arrest and lengthy jail sentences must follow. The community of Mitchell’s Plain and all other areas plagued by these types of incidents should know that we will not rest until we combat murders and crime throughout the province,” he said.
The Philippi Community Police Forum (CPF) chairperson, Ebrahim Abrahams, questioned why guns were so freely available.
“We must get to the bottom of it. Where do they get the guns? Although I did not know Mr Williams, any killing is one too many. The police, City of Cape Town’s Leap and Law Enforcement, the CPF, neighbourhood watches and the community must all work together to fight this scourge of gang violence,” Mr Abrahams said.
Officer Williams’s colleague, Shamiel Palmer, described him as a “very soft, quiet and humble man”.
“I was broken when I heard of his death. If I needed help with any challenges in Hanover Park, I knew I could count on him to help. He was always willing to help,” Officer Palmer said.
Mayoral committee member for safety and security JP Smith said Officer Williams had been a valued member of the Hanover Park Leap staff.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the officer’s loved ones during this difficult time. The City is offering a reward of R100 000 for any information that may lead to the arrest and conviction of the gangsters involved in this murder. We call on anyone in the community who might have information about the attack to please step forward and assist the investigators so that the people responsible can be caught and brought to justice,” he said.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information, is urged to report it to the City’s 24-hour tip-off line at 0800 11 00 77. Anonymous tip-offs are welcomed, but since the City cannot collect any personal information, it would not be able to offer a reward in that instance.